49ers, Richard Sherman agree to three-year deal

So what kind of deal did Sherman negotiate for himself? He has experience at all five positions in Seattle's secondary since the team signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

The San Francisco 49ers are running dangerously close to becoming the NFL team that has the biggest off-season glow-up, but they'll have to outdo the Cleveland Browns who appear to be shaking up the entire league.

The two parties agreed to a three-year incentive laden deal worth up to $39.15 million.

Fullback Kyle Juszczyk perhaps best captured the emotions of the 49ers' fan base Saturday, tweeting: "I take back anything disrespectful I might have said to you in our games before @RSherman_25 Welcome to the squad!" Top-tier defensive players may want to play alongside of him.

As a four-time All-Pro, Sherman's stats command respect, and he tweeted them out Friday. "He locks down a corner of the field the way that he's able to play, but can he bounce back from an Achilles injury?" "I admit it's kinda weird having to cheer for you now", wrote one, Candle STAC Park. That the deal was solidified so quickly speaks to Lynch, Shanahan, and contract specialist Paraag Marathe's acumen in these types of scenarios. So if his contract were to toll, he'd be signed for 2018 at the same amount.

The 49ers had a glaring need at cornerback with 2017 third-round pick Ahkello Witherspoon and slot cornerback K'Waun Williams the only players under contract with extensive experience.

Had Sherman taken the prove-it option, he would have been 31 when hitting free agency in 2019. John had already informed DeShawn that his contract was expiring after this year, and the Seattle Seahawks are just living up to their word. Once I make a Pro Bowl, $8 million the next year is guaranteed for me. He also could increase the yearly compensation to $13.05 million by playing 90 percent of snaps, making the All-Pro team and being named to the Pro Bowl.

Those numbers are in no way comparable to those of the players mentioned above. Of course he's had a Hall of Fame type of career, sure Sherman's played at a very, very high level. In 2011, Asomugha walked away knowing he would get $25 million.

The Raiders were among six other teams that showed interest in Sherman, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported.

After the 49ers swung the trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, they were 5-0 with him as a starter, with Garoppolo looking every bit like a young, franchise quarterback.